(ORDO NEWS) — During construction work in Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), an ancient Roman amphitheater was discovered under a layer of earth, which was once used for gladiator fights and hunting animals. Dating back to 300 AD, it is about 50 meters long and 40 meters wide.
The amphitheater was found in Augusta Raurica, located on the south bank of the river Rhine. Once a Roman city, it is now an open museum and archaeological site. The reason for the construction that led to this find was a new berth for the Basel Yacht Club.
In December 2021, the construction team was accompanied by archaeologists from the canton of Aargau. These archaeologists were quite surprised when they came across an ancient Roman structure. Part of this surprise was due to the fact that they were working in what was thought to be an abandoned Roman quarry.
Here are some details about how the amphitheater was built:
It had three southern entrances. One large one was in the center, and two small ones were on either side of it. Another entrance was on the west side of the amphitheater.
Both entrances were made of sandstone, which has survived to this day. The interior walls were covered with plaster and the stands were made of wood.
This is the third ancient Roman amphitheater discovered at Augusta Raurica and the earliest, dating back to the 4th century AD.
This is the eighth ancient Roman amphitheater discovered in Switzerland.
Some of the others are known as: “Avenches (Aventicum), Martigny (Forum Claudii Vallensium), Nyon (Colonia Iulia Equestris) and the Enge Peninsula in Bern (Brenodurum)”.
Plans for the construction of the boat dock have been changed to accommodate the new opening.
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